Memorial Sloan Kettering

October 2017 Newsletter

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Have a Question? We Can Help.
Our knowledgeable planned giving team is ready
to answer any questions you may have about the
many ways you can make a meaningful gift to MSK.
Pictured from left: Stacy Angarola, Diana Dilg,
Andrea Ryan, Amanda McKim, and Pamela Colker.
Not pictured: Allison Jewell.
Ms. Andrea Ryan
Office of Planned Giving
Toll free: 800-688-1827 | plannedgiving@mskcc.org
plannedgiving.mskcc.org
PAGE 4
Reflecting on the Future | Fall 2017
Paul Sabbatini, MD,
Deputy Physician-
in-Chief for Clinical
Research at MSK
Encouraging
Clinical Trials
Nearly every cancer treatment available
today exists because of a clinical trial. At
Memorial Sloan Kettering, we are currently
overseeing 900 such studies.
Although most patients are aware that these trials
can help lead to new medical breakthroughs, they are
unlikely to participate in them. Studies have shown
that only 4 percent of all cancer patients enroll in
clinical trials each year.
According to a survey conducted on behalf of MSK,
of the more than 2,000 Americans (including nearly
600 doctors) polled, just 40 percent said they have
a positive overall impression of clinical trials. Only
35 percent said that they were likely to enroll in one.
When given more information, however, almost half
of patients said they would enroll in a clinical trial.
Paul Sabbatini, MD, Deputy Physician-in-Chief
for Clinical Research at MSK, says it is critical to
address common myths and misunderstandings
surrounding trials.
"Failing to consider clinical trials at every stage of
cancer diagnosis and treatment can represent a
missed opportunity, primarily for patients, as well as
for doctors and researchers trying to develop better
therapies," he says. "It's critical that we spread the
word that there are options to consider early on."
Contact our Planned Giving office to see
how your future gift can help make these
opportunities available for more patients.
Reflecting on the Future | Fall 2017